Stronger Than She Thought

After overcoming life-changing challenges and being told a degree was the missing piece in her career, Jennifer returned to school in her 50s—and proved it was never too late to keep moving forward.

Jennifer Stawoney came home from work in tears.

She had interviewed for a promotion and knew she had the experience to succeed. The interview had gone well, but she walked away feeling that one thing still stood between her and the opportunity: she did not have a bachelor’s degree.

“They didn’t necessarily say it, but it was implied,” Jennifer recalled.

Rather than remain stuck, Jennifer decided it was time to return to school—even in her 50s. Her cousin Laura, who had completed WGU’s cybersecurity program, encouraged her to consider the university. Laura knew Jennifer had excelled in junior college and believed she could succeed again.

Jennifer enrolled in WGU’s bachelor’s degree program in Supply Chain and Operations.

Learning to Keep Going

Returning to school meant balancing coursework with her career, children, grandson, and the family and friends who were accustomed to relying on her. Jennifer had to become comfortable saying no, knowing those sacrifices were temporary and that she was working toward a better future. As she worked full time and studied at night, her husband supported her every step of the way, often bringing dinner up to her office so she could continue studying, sometimes until midnight.

Some courses and some nights tested that commitment more than others.

Statistics was one of her greatest challenges. While preparing to take an assessment for the third time, Jennifer studied until midnight and wondered whether she would ever get through it. She finished the test convinced she had failed.

Instead, she passed and discovered that she had learned more than she realized.

The experience showed Jennifer that she was stronger than she had believed. Her Program Mentor, Jen, helped reinforce that lesson throughout her time at WGU.

“She always believed in me and told me to take a step back and believe in myself,” Jennifer said.

Although her mentor has since left WGU, the two remain friends.

A Milestone She Once Could Not Imagine

Earning her degree carried meaning far beyond Jennifer’s career.

In 2002, at 30 years old, her life changed in ways she never expected. She was unable to walk, talk, or eat and used a wheelchair while raising three children, then ages 6, 8, and 10.

Through that difficult period, her husband and family continued to believe in her even when she struggled to believe in herself. The resilience she developed during her recovery would remain with her throughout her life, helping her continue setting ambitious goals and working toward a better future.

Jennifer completed her degree in December 2025. The accomplishment immediately changed the way she saw herself.

“It made me realize that I can do just about anything,” she said.

More importantly, she showed her children what it looks like to keep going when life becomes difficult.

In August 2026, Jennifer celebrated that accomplishment at WGU’s commencement in Minneapolis, walking across the stage with her cousin Laura by her side—the same cousin who had first encouraged her to consider WGU.

“Commencement was a blast,” Jennifer said. “It was an unforgettable and meaningful experience.”

More than a celebration, the moment gave Jennifer a sense of closure. After years of hard work, sacrifice, and late nights, walking the stage felt like the culmination of everything it had taken to get there.

“Being able to walk across the stage with my cousin by my side gave me a sense of closure and made all the hard work, dedication, and late nights worthwhile,” she said.

For anyone wondering whether they are too old, too far behind, or facing too many challenges to begin, Jennifer offers a simple reminder: